UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. – Saginaw Valley State University football head coach Ryan Brady announced the addition of Niklas Gustav to the Cardinal Football coaching staff. Gustav will fill the role of Defensive Line / Academic Coordinator / Director of Player Personnel duties for SVSU.

"Excited to announce the new addition to the Cardinal Coaching staff in Defensive Line Coach Niklas Gustav. Coach Gustav brings a wealth of expertise and experience with him to SVSU," said Brady. 

Gustav joins the Cardinals from Eastern Michigan University, where he worked with the defensive ends—a position he played himself in college at NAIA powerhouse Morningside.

Prior to EMU, Gustav coached at Concordia University Ann Arbor for two seasons (2023 & 2024), where he helped develop NCCAA Defensive Player of the Year and NAIA All-American David Cagle.

"Goose is a winner!  He is an expert on what it takes to play in our defensive system, having been an All-American Defensive End at Morningside. He is an excellent communicator and a relentless technician," Brady lauded.

The Hamburg, Germany native began his coaching career at his alma mater and helped bring the team a third NAIA National Championship in 2021, the first as a coach for the program. While with the Mustangs, he coached four all-conference players and helped develop NAIA All-American Weston Schultz. Gustav also gained experience coaching long snappers and specialists and is a certified strength and conditioning coach.

"In a short time, he has made a huge impact on our defensive line room, and our players love his energy, attention to detail, and his intensity. I couldn't be more excited to welcome Coach Goose to Saginaw Valley State!" said Brady.

As a player, Gustav was an All-American, conference player of the year, a three-time all-conference selection, and a team captain. He was instrumental in the back-to-back National Championship seasons at Morningside in 2018 and 2019.

"I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to join the SVSU Football program! Coach Brady has built a program and culture that is truly special and full of great people! I am determined and excited to help elevate this program to the next level and compete for championships!" stated Gustav.